Dallas, TX - The following is a statement by Clark S. Willingham, NCBA President:
We're disappointed that the jury found that technically this show was not directly aimed at the plaintiffs, so the real issue in this case -- responsible speech -- could not be addressed by the jury. The jury never considered whether harmful, false statements about the beef industry were made.
However, the good news for the American consumer from this trial is that all the scientific experts testified that America has the safest beef in the world.
The beef industry welcomes opportunities for full and open debate on all important issues, including food safety. Anyone should be able to express an opinion in good faith, but no one should be able to willfully disregard the facts when doing so. In today's world of instant and widespread communications the impact of misinformation can be devastating on the market for perishable agricultural products. This hurts the farming and ranching families who produce the products, the communities they live in and the consumers who buy the products.
We feel the national discussion on the issue of responsible speech has added to the awareness that the media have an enormous ability to affect the livelihoods of American farmers and cattlemen. If this results in more responsible and accurate information for consumers, then the trial has been good for all Americans.
Meat Industry Insights News Service
P.O. Box 553
Northport, NY 11768
Phone: 631-757-4010
Fax: 631-757-4060
E-mail: sflanagan@sprintmail.com
Web Site: http://www.spcnetwork.com/mii